"King Bibi" and Israeli Illiberalism: Assessing Democratic Backsliding in Israel during the Second Netanyahu Era (2009–2021)

Abstract:This article assesses democratic backsliding in Israel during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's years in office from 2009 to 2021, drawing comparisons to similar developments in Hungary and Turkey. While the democratic backsliding that occurred in Israel during this period resembled what was taking place in these other countries, Netanyahu was less successful in achieving his goals than Viktor Orbán and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, despite employing similar rhetoric and tactics. Netanyahu's lack of success is explained by the amount and nature of affective polarization in Israel, its parliamentary system of government, and its electoral system.